Sleep is the body’s natural reset button. For many veterans, however, restful nights are disrupted by sleep apnea. This condition doesn’t just affect energy levels—it can impact long-term health, relationships, and overall well-being. For those pursuing a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), understanding how to connect sleep apnea to service is critical. If you’re wondering how the VA sleep apnea rating system works and how to build a strong case, this guide will break it down step by step.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes interruptions in breathing while asleep. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to a minute and may happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times a night. Veterans most commonly report obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Symptoms often include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air or choking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
While some people develop sleep apnea due to weight gain, age, or family history, many veterans find their condition tied to service-related factors such as exposure to environmental hazards, injuries, or other medical conditions.
Why Sleep Apnea Matters for Veterans
Untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences. It has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and impaired cognitive function. For veterans, the effects can also compound existing conditions like PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because sleep apnea is so disruptive to health and daily functioning, the VA recognizes it as a condition eligible for disability benefits.
The VA Sleep Apnea Rating System
The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of the condition and its impact on your health. The VA sleep apnea rating levels are:
- 0% – Diagnosis is confirmed, but symptoms do not cause significant functional limitations.
- 30% – Persistent daytime sleepiness due to sleep apnea.
- 50% – Requirement of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine for treatment.
- 100% – Chronic respiratory failure, carbon dioxide retention, or need for a tracheostomy.
These ratings are important because they directly affect the monthly compensation you may receive. The difference between a 30% and 50% rating, for example, can mean hundreds of dollars each month.
Establishing Service Connection
To receive disability benefits, veterans must show that their sleep apnea is connected to military service. The VA generally requires three components:
- Current Diagnosis – A sleep study confirming sleep apnea.
- In-Service Event or Aggravation – Evidence that something during service contributed to or worsened the condition. This could include medical records, incident reports, or documented symptoms.
- Medical Nexus – A professional opinion linking your current diagnosis to your service.
Direct Service Connection
Some veterans develop sleep apnea directly due to service. For example, weight gain after an injury that limited physical activity, or exposure to environmental hazards in deployment areas, may play a role.
Secondary Service Connection
Other times, sleep apnea develops as a secondary condition. Veterans with PTSD, TBI, or even chronic sinus issues may later develop sleep apnea. Linking sleep apnea as a secondary condition can strengthen a claim if it’s not easily proven as directly service-related.
Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions
If you had mild sleep apnea before service but military duty worsened it, you may qualify for benefits through aggravation.
Evidence That Strengthens a Claim
The VA often denies sleep apnea claims because of insufficient evidence. To avoid this, it helps to gather:
- Sleep Study Results – The gold standard for diagnosis.
- Service Records – Showing injuries, deployments, or health changes.
- Buddy Statements – Testimonies from fellow service members, family, or friends who observed snoring, fatigue, or gasping during your service.
- Medical Nexus Letter – A letter from a qualified doctor clearly connecting your condition to your service.
Common Reasons for Denial
Many veterans face denial even after submitting claims. Some common reasons include:
- No documented in-service complaints of sleep issues
- Lack of a medical nexus linking the condition to service
- Incomplete or outdated medical evidence
Understanding these pitfalls ahead of time can help you prepare a stronger claim.
Tips for Filing a Strong VA Sleep Apnea Claim
- Get a recent sleep study if you don’t already have one.
- Document your symptoms thoroughly and consistently.
- Seek medical opinions from providers familiar with veteran claims.
- Include buddy statements when service records don’t capture your experiences.
- Appeal if denied—many veterans win benefits after appealing with additional evidence.
How Warrior Allegiance Supports Veterans
At Warrior Allegiance, we know that filing a claim can feel overwhelming. Sleep apnea claims often require persistence and careful documentation. Our team—built by veterans, for veterans—helps you navigate the VA’s process with clarity and confidence.
We work remotely with veterans nationwide and also have offices in El Paso and San Antonio, Texas. There are no upfront costs to work with us; our service cost is tied to the increase we help you achieve. That means we only succeed if you succeed.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can start your claim journey today: Get Started with Warrior Allegiance.